QCC’s 50 Guardians, Alumni Making a Difference: Ron Josephson

To celebrate Quinsigamond Community College's 50th anniversary, the college is naming "50 Guardians": QCC alumni and friends who have made a difference within the QCC and broader Worcester communities.

Ten Guardians from all manner of occupation and walks of life have already been announced, including this week's profile, Ron Jospehson, Owner at Power Guide Marketing, Inc. GoLocalWorcester will profile a Guardian every week, celebrating each of these 50 extraordinary individuals.

In the fall of 1967, Ron Josephson was interested in learning more about electronics and turned to a local, reputable source: Quinsigamond Community College. Little did he know that this decision would present some amazing career opportunities.

Under the tutelage of Professor Bob Gillies, head of the electronics department, Josephson flourished and earned his associate degree in social science and electronic engineering.

After graduation, he landed a technician position at Raytheon Company and soon earned a promotion to engineer. During his nine years at Raytheon, Ron contributed designs to several important projects, including the Patriot Missile, the Aegis Combat System and Hawk Weapons System. His fingerprint can also be found on technology used in an Apollo space mission.

Josephson, owner of Power Guide Marketing, Inc. and Apogee Power Sources, Inc., was recently named an Alumni Guardian by Quinsigamond Community College, for his service to the community and the college. To help celebrate QCC’s 50th anniversary, the college is naming 50 guardians who have made a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them. The first 10 guardians were announced earlier this fall, and now QCC is seeking nominations from the community. Read more about the Guardians and find out how to nominate someone at www.qcc.edu/guardians

“I give Bob Gillies credit for providing me with the foundation I needed to get into a company like Raytheon,” Josephson said. “I had the opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant people in the electronics world at Raytheon.”

Working at Raytheon proved to be more exciting than Josephson imagined. In one instance, he came under mortar fire at Fort Devens from an Army Reserve group taking practice; in a helicopter flight from Fort Bliss to White Sands, he barely escaped a hit from a heat-seeking missile.

His manufacturing representative firm specializes in power supplies for electronics suppliers in New England. Nine years later, in response to customer demand, Ron launched a second company, Apogee Power Sources, which designs and manufactures power supplies in China.

Throughout the years, Josephson maintained ties to QCC. A College Trustee and member of the QCC Foundation, he serves on the electronics advisory committee and has contributed to the structure of some technology programs. He also taught Electronics at QCC for many years as part of the adjunct faculty. As for Quinsigamond, he praises the dedicated and supportive faculty who helped launch a successful career in the electronics industry.

Guardians should be people who have attended QCC or been involved with the college, and been transformed by their experience. It may have led them to further education, involvement in the community, or entrepreneurship.

The guardians represent the spirit of the College’s mythological mascot, the Wyvern, who was the guardian protector of our sister city, Worcester, England. Staff, faculty, and friends of Quinsigamond Community College also may be considered for this award provided they meet the eligibility guidelines. A selection committee will review nominations and choose guardians.

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